Building work has started on a £150,000 hospital therapy garden to benefit stroke and dementia patients.

The North Tees Kaleidostroke Therapy Garden will form part of the stroke unit at Stockton's University Hospital of North Tees. The space will provide support to stroke, dementia and elderly patients and their families as part of their hospital care.

It comes after the NHS trust’s charity, North Tees and Hartlepool Together, was successful in a grant application for £150,000 – funded by a 5p cup charge at Starbucks.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Chris Lawson (centre) with members of the Tangent construction crew

The therapy garden will feature walking rehabilitation facilities, specialist equipment for building muscle, cognitive learning activities and more. It aims to improve patient rehabilitation, provide holistic therapy and allow patients to regain their independence.

The project has been driven by Chris Lawson, a specialised therapy assistant who has since retired from her role at the trust. Although retired, Chris is still actively involved in the garden.